Los Roques Islands Venezuela

byDave Jackson

Los Roques Islands, Venezuela has a few of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet, and yet, they are very hard to get to. Think uber-white sand, calm blue water and clear as crystal. The sky is deep blue and you can hear the tropical warm wind as it gentle tickles the palm fronds above you. Your feet enjoy the clean, warm sand as you gaze out to the shallows and yet, you can’t see the mainland because you’re simply too far offshore. Scary? -or you love this eerie seclusion.

No one thinks of Los Roques beaches when they think of the Caribbean mainly because it is just totally unknown. But we know of them. Think of the Hawaiian chain, but this, a chain of dozens of islands made up mostly of coral atolls with tiny islets. Think of exploring this, with a boat you knew would not foul out. The hundreds of sandbanks, dozens of cays made up of sand and palm trees, swaying in the tradewinds and no one around to hear them.

One hundred miles as the crow flies off the central coast of Venezuela sits Los Roques and her beautiful beaches. So low to the ocean that many of the islands disappear during high tide. Fish steal about finding refuge among the channels and coral reef and here you will find some of the very best tailing fish and bonefish by the kilo. So if there is that fisherman spirit in your blood when you visit Los Roques, you are in for a special treat: not many come to this part of the world, the fish are plentiful.

Since there isn’t mainland for silty runoff, you can imagine the awesome snorkeling and diving in the area. There are great reefs filled with very colorful fish like the deep blue tang and the ever-hungry parrotfish. And during certain times of the year you’ll see squid and baby tarpon spawning here.

Los Roques is practically part of a long stretch of islands including Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. When you look at a globe you will see how they are the tail end of the island chain that actually starts with Aruba and runs eastward. It is little wonder how when in comparison to all of the other islands and their beautiful beaches that these many islands are just more gems in the tiara in the Caribbean.

The fact that these islands are strung out like pearls and contain some of the best game fish in this part of the Caribbean lead you to know that they have not been to overly influenced by humans. All beaches we have reported on that are hard to get to or are limited in access seem to have the same touch of greatness. And unfortunately we have to say that many of the pristine beaches of the world are falling prey to neglect.

Both tourism organizations in Bonaire and Curacao, neighbors to Los Roques, have done very well in luring tourist to their islands. But you’ve probably never heard of Los Roques and let this serve to be your wake up call. For some reason, maybe because they are not used to the influx of tourist here, they are not really happy with individual tourist, but more into the group – all inclusive visitors. Gran Roque is the main island with the resorts.

You can think of the beach and surround sort of like Galapagos; a place where time has stood still for centuries. Imagine these islands always being here and these beautiful beaches in place since the beginning of time.

There are a few great dive operations here in this archipelago. Since the islands are flat and there is a ton of coral reef just off the shore, it makes for exciting diving and adventure that can be experienced by putting on the gear and walking in from the shore. And yet to get to the best diving experience here, you need to be in that archipelago of islands, taken by boat, which can be a lengthy day – not something you’ll be able to do each day.

Diving trips can be $16 to $40 per person and you can combine your dive with a little windsurfing and boating fun. Day trips can be made from Caracas or down from Isla Margarita.

For the beach, expect shallow tranquility. Soft sand, mainly of coral residue, has provided for brilliant white beaches. Stir in a little silica and quartz and you have a world class beach that not many have been to. To get here simply book a flight to Caracas, Venezuela and then on out to Los Roques Island which belong to the country of Venezuela.

Los Roques Beaches Archipelago, Venezuela – Beach Index:

No facilities, bring what you need from your hotel/posada

Beautiful, pristine white beaches

Many lagoons, shallow beaches so ideal for kids

World class snorkeling and diving

Some of the better diving is a long boat ride away from the posadas

Shuttles between beaches/island for hire by boat

You will have to take a very small plane from the Venezuelan mainland to get here